The Cpl Christmas FM Survey Results
The Cpl Christmas FM Survey 2025 results are finally revealed!
We asked the important and fun questions of the season and you answered. Here are the results – with thanks to Cpl, Ireland’s trusted partner for talent solutions.
When do you think it officially feels like Christmas?
53%
When Christmas FM starts broadcasting
17%
When the tree goes up
8%
When the Late Late Toy Show airs
3%
When I hear Mariah Carey on the radio
7%
When I see the Coca-Cola ad on the TV
11%
When I see Christmas lights in my town
Which part of Christmas is costing you the most this year?
50%
Gifts
21%
Food and groceries
3%
Travel
19%
Energy bills (heating, lights)
6%
Social events and nights out
How much do you expect to spend on Christmas gifts this year in total?
5%
Less than €100
14%
Between €100 and €250
27%
More than €250, less than €500
34%
Over €500 but less than €1,000
20%
Over €1,000
Is buying gifts from Irish businesses important to you when shopping?
39%
Yes, I try to buy as many gifts as possible from Irish businesses
46%
I buy a mix of both Irish and other gifts
15%
No, I don’t focus on where gifts are made when I’m doing my Christmas shopping
Will the current cost of living crisis impact how much you spend on Christmas this year?
63%
Yes, I will be spending less and budgeting
7%
No, I plan to spend more this year - Christmas is always a special time in my household
30%
I plan to spend the same as last year
Who is the hardest person to buy a Christmas present for?
30%
My partner
25%
Parents
8%
In-laws
12%
My children
5%
Friends
6%
Someone else’s children
8%
Siblings
4%
Colleagues
What’s your ultimate Christmas comfort food?
22%
Mince pies
24%
Hot chocolate
36%
Leftovers sandwiches
18%
Cheese boards all day long
How early do you start decorating for Christmas?
11%
As soon as Halloween ends
27%
Late - mid November
56%
Early December
6%
The week before Christmas
1%
I don’t decorate
What’s your favourite new Christmas tradition you’ve started in recent years?
28%
Matching pyjamas
33%
Christmas movie marathons
16%
Buying my pet a Christmas present
18%
Secret Santa with friends or co-workers
27%
Donating to charity or volunteering
What do you usually hang on your tree?
9%
Tinsel
36%
Fairy / multi-coloured lights
43%
Baubles
18%
Decorations made by my children
54%
A mix of all the above!
What’s most important to you this Christmas?
85%
Time with family / friends
30%
Relaxation and self-care
20%
Giving back to others
22%
Food and fun
18%
The religious meaning of Christmas
Do you think it’s important to implement sustainability into your Christmas plans? (cutting down on wrapping paper / packaging, reducing food waste, using less lights etc.)
61%
I actively try to be environmentally conscious where possible
9%
I don’t worry about being sustainable at Christmas
32%
It depends, I will do it if it’s easy / accessible
Do you travel for Christmas or stay at home?
61%
Always stay home
25%
Travel within Ireland to spend the day with family / friends
2%
Travel abroad for a winter getaway
18%
Alternate between travelling and staying home
How connected do you feel to your local community during Christmas?
22%
Very connected - we have great local events
50%
Somewhat connected
22%
Not really
6%
Not at all
Will you visit a Christmas market with family or friends on the run up to Christmas?
10%
Yes, I’ll be travelling abroad to a well-know Christmas market
40%
Yes, it is a great way to get into the Christmas spirit and find unique gifts
37%
Possibly, but the cost of Christmas markets is off-putting
17%
No, the crowds are too much
Would you welcome a ‘White Christmas’, even if it caused travel disruption?
66%
Absolutely, snow makes it magical
23%
Maybe, as long as it’s light snow
11%
No thanks, keep the roads clear
What Irish celebrity would you most like to have Christmas dinner with?
26%
Colin Farrell
11%
Nicola Coughlan
10%
Dermot Kennedy
5%
Katie McCabe
14%
Niall Horan
5%
CMAT
16%
The Two Johnnies
13%
Siobhán McSweeney
32%
Michael D. Higgins
What song do you think is the perfect Christmas tune to get everyone in the festive spirit?
55%
Fairytale of New York - The Pogues feat. Kirsty MacColl
19%
Last Christmas - Wham!
16%
Do They Know It’s Christmas? - Band Aid
16%
All I Want for Christmas is You - Mariah Carey
20%
Merry Christmas Everyone - Shakin’ Stevens
11%
Anything from Michael Bublé’s Christmas album!
If your career was a Christmas movie, it would be…
21%
It’s a Wonderful Life
34%
Home Alone (doing everything myself!)
35%
Elf (pure joy and chaos)
17%
Die Hard (a wild ride)
